The Philosophical Question: Did Sauron and Morgoth See Themselves as Evil?

Through the comprehensive narrative of The Silmarillion, J.R.R. Tolkien delves into the complex origins and motivations of the greatest evil forces in Middle-earth, Morgoth and Sauron. This story raises profound philosophical questions: did these beings originally conceive of themselves as evil, or did they embrace this path out of necessity or personal ambition?

Origins of Eru, the Ainur, and the Creation of Arda

At the dawn of time, Eru Ilúvatar, the supreme being in Tolkien’s creation, conceived of the Ainur, a multitude of spiritual origins created from His own essence. These spirits, possessing free will and unique personalities, were to sing in harmony with His theme. Among them was Melkor, originally named 'He Who Arises In Might,' a name that reflects his initially noble aspirations.

Melkor was one of the most powerful of the Ainur, a status that placed him among the most significant of the Valar. He sought the 'Flame Imperisable,' a symbol of ultimate power, but found it only in Eru. After the Great Music, when Eru unfolded the history of Arda, Melkor's desire to create a discordant tune from his own conception was manifest in the physical world through the emergence of evil.

Melkor's Rebellion and the Birth of Morgoth

Shortly after the creation of Arda, Melkor rebelled against Eru’s plan, seeking to introduce a theme of discord into the undivided harmony of the Ainur’s music. This act of insubordination led to the narrative chaos that we observe as evil in the world. Melkor’s ambitions to dominate and control, rather than to serve Eru’s purpose, sparked his eventual transformation into Morgoth, the 'Black Foe of the World.'

The Fall of Mairon and the Rise of Sauron

Meanwhile, a Maia named Mairon, known for his wisdom and admiration for Melkor, found himself drawn to the darker aspects of his lord's character. Disenchanted with the traditional Ainur ethos, Mairon became Sauron, the Abhorred, and a fervent follower of Morgoth. Despite his initial noble intentions, Mairon was seduced by Morgoth's power and ambition, ultimately becoming his most trusted and powerful servant.

Did Morgoth and Sauron See Themselves as Evil?

The question of whether Morgoth and Sauron saw themselves as evil is a highly debated topic within Tolkien fandom and academia. Initially, Morgoth was driven by a combination of power and ambition. Driven by his desire to create his own version of the world, he believed he was following a legitimately different path, not one of moral corruption.

Similarly, Sauron, after abandoning his initial fidelity to Eru, became Morgoth's most dedicated follower. His transformation from Mairon, 'the Admirable,' to Sauron, 'the master of history,' is symbolic of his shift from a wise and knowledgeable figure to a shaper of evil. Whether Sauron believed in the righteousness of his actions is a more complex issue, reflecting internal conflict and personal ambition.

Conclusion

The nature of evil in Tolkien's world is multifaceted and often contentious, particularly with regards to the perspectives of Morgoth and Sauron. While they initially pursued their goals out of personal ambition and misguided belief, their actions eventually led them to the title of 'evil.' The narrative in The Silmarillion invites us to consider deeper questions about the origins of evil, the impact of personal ambition, and the moral dimensions of choice.